January 24, 2011 Legislative Update

Homeschool Day at the Capitol

February 10 & March 18 · Richmond, Virginia

Greetings!

Mark your calendar and make your reservations today! Join hundreds of homeschoolers from across the Commonwealth on Thursday, February 10, or Friday, March 18, for HEAV’s annual Homeschool Day at the Capitol in Richmond. These two HEAV-sponsored events are open to ALL homeschoolers.

If you would like to view more details about this event, please visit the Day at the Capitol FAQs, and look for a detailed schedule coming soon.

We always fill up fast and have a waiting list, so don’t miss this early member sign up.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in Richmond for Day at the Capitol!

With warm regards,

Director of Homeschool Support & Legislative Affairs

HEAV Members Can Now Register!

Today and tomorrow (January 24 and 25), HEAV members can register before registration opens to the public. Plus, as a member, you get a discounted family rate of $25–a savings of $5!

Keep scrolling for more details about this year’s Day at the Capitol Events!

DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Legislative Day at the Richmond Capitol

February 10, 2011

Scheduled during the active legislative session, parents and students will observe law making as it happens! Visit your legislator’s office and show your appreciation for his or her service by bringing home-baked goodies.

Sit in the audience at committee meetings and hear legislators debate bills–you can even observe real-time debates and voting from the gallery above the House and Senate chambers! Tours of the beautifully renovated Capitol and the Executive Mansion will also be available.

Patrick Henry’s famous speech will be presented in the sanctuary of the historic St. John’s Church, the original site of the heated debate for independence among colonial leaders during the Second Virginia Convention.

You may find yourself seated beside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Richard Henry Lee as costumed, professional reenactors contend for liberty. Their rousing, up-close debate for independence from Great Britain will take you back to 1775.

This special performance is only for families registered for HEAV’s Legislative Day at the Capitol.

DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Capitol Classroom Day at the Richmond Capitol

March 18, 2011

Experience “hands-on leaning” at its best!

After the February adjournment of the General Assembly, homeschool students are invited to sit in a state representative’s chair in the Virginia House or Senate Chamber to learn how a bill becomes a law.

During the Capitol Classroom, House or Senate staff will take you through the committee debates and voting process.

You will have an opportunity to discuss a mock homeschool bill and then to take a final vote. Students will press the same voting buttons on each desk that legislators use to pass or defeat a bill. Parents can participate in the same hands-on process with their students in the House or Senate chambers.

You will also have an opportunity to take a one-hour tour of the Virginia Supreme Court. As you sit in the courtroom, court staff will explain the judicial process and discuss landmark cases.

You will learn about the history of the Virginia Supreme court, its purpose, and famous justices who have presided over the court. This hands-on government class will long be remembered!

LEARN MORE:

Fun Activities and Tours for

Both “Day at the Capitol” Events!

For both events, we have scheduled a variety of family-friendly learning opportunities, from learning how a bill becomes a law to enjoying a fun scavenger hunt on the Capitol grounds.

Tour Virginia’s Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson. The Capitol has been renovated and includes a Visitor’s Center with historical artifacts and Meriwether’s Capitol Café.

Visit the Executive Mansion, the oldest governor’s residence to be continuously used for its original purpose. You may even meet Virginia’s First Lady walking through the hallway–we did a few years ago!

Listen to an invited delegate or senator discuss important education issues.

Learn how a bill becomes a law.

Hear HEAV’s lobbyist explain the progress of bills we are tracking.

Go up to the FREE City Hall Observation Deck to see an unforgettable view of downtown Richmond. The deck is located on Broad Street across from the Capitol.

Enjoy a fun Capitol-grounds scavenger hunt with your children!

Food Options: For your convenience, you may bring a bag lunch or walk to one of the nearby eateries (view a list here).

Registration will open for non-members on Wednesday, January 26, at 10 a.m.

Note on registering non-family members

To register anyone not in your immediate family, please call the office at 804-278-9200. You can only register members of your immediate family online.

Reservations are limited to the first 250 participants at each scheduled Day at the Capitol. After this number is reached, all interested parents and students are placed on a waiting list or must register for the alternate date.